Two rule the tube, two on the way-Ronit R

Complete your education, know yourself and above all, get Lokhandwala on your postal address — That's the advice actress Achint Kaur gives to newcomers trying to get a toehold in the TV and film industry.

And she has a good reason for it. "For a struggler it is not economical to live at the other end of town and then spend half the day commuting to the studios and offices here," says this Lokhandwala resident.

Achint moved from Colaba to Lokhandwala six years ago to cut down the commute. Achint got her first big break with Tony and Deeya Singh's Banegi Apni Baat on Zee TV. "A producer friend of mine recommended me to Tony and Deeya," she says.

Achint has now started shooting for Balaji Telefilms' Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. This is her second stint with the soap factory, the first being a short role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Six years and several meaty roles later (after all, how many actresses can play Pixie — a single mom — so effortlessly), Achint still misses town some times.

According to her Lokhandwala is where the nouveau-riche are, while town belongs to people who have inherited money. But Achint says, "Lokhandwala is definitely where the buzz is."

Darakhshan Khan

People often mistake her for the bespectacled Jassi of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin and actress Jaswir Kaur doesn't mind it. "Despite the confusion, it gives me that extra publicity," says this Seven Bungalows resident who can be spotted in the lead role in Balaji Telefilm's K Street Pali Hill on Star Plus.

The 24-year-old might be new to television but she began her career as a dancer when she was only 19. "I started dancing five years ago and have worked with choreographers Raju Khan, Farah Khan, Saroj Khan, Ganesh Hegde and Terrence Lewis," she says.

After dancing and a brief stint as a model, Jassi got bored and wanted to do something new. She says, "I then decided to audition for a Balaji serial," adding that her first audition was a disaster. "I forgot all my dialogues on the first day," she chuckles.

She was asked to audition again the next day and landed a role in Balaji's Kya Hadsa Kya Haeeqat.

"I may not have had to struggle in the initial stages but it is difficult to sustain oneself in this competitive industry." she says.

Talking about her future plans, Jassi insists that as of now, films are a complete no. "The roles offered on television have more substance than films. I prefer the flexibility that TV offers," she says.

Aanchal Bansal

He is every bit the suave businessman off screen that he plays on screen. We are speaking about Ronit Roy aka Rishabh Bajaj (Kasauti Zindagi Kay), aka Mihir Virani (Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi).

Like every newcomer without a godfather, this Oshiwara resident too had to stuggle before he got his first break. His debut film Jaan Tere Naam did good business but a spate of flops ensured that Roy was out of work soon.
He then started his security agency but on the acting front, he decided to be patient. His patience paid off when he was offered Kasauti Zindagi Kay by Balaji Telefilms.

"It feels great to be successful," he says, adding, "But one cannot take success for granted." Roy also confesses, "Unlike other countries we don't shoot according to seasons. Thus it is a challenge to hold the audiences' interest."

Hardwork according to Roy is the key to success for every newcomer. "I'm not in a position to advise any newcomer. But people should not perceive TV as a short cut to success."

Roy moved to Oshiwara in 1993 and believes this area has grown tremendously in the last decade. Besides its proximity to the studios, Ronit also says, "The attitude of the people here is great."

Harshada Rege

Twenty-four-year-old Amit Sadh's tale is closest to the hardships that a struggler has to face.

"Be it sleeping on footpaths, washing cars or begging chowkidars to forward my pictures to the producer, I have done it all," says this former Yari Road resident, who can be spotted in Guns & Roses on Sahara One.

Amit admits that his three-year-old career on TV has not been easy. He says, "I have learnt that the producer's watchman or driver has the power to make or break your career."

He adds, "I realised this after a fight with Neena Gupta's watchman. My portfolio didn't reach her till I apologised to the guard. Soon Amit bagged the role of Adi in Kyun Hota Hai Pyar till he got replaced after six months.

He says, "There is so much competition. There are ten people waiting to replace you."

With Guns & Roses, Amit is now secure. He says, "But Bollywood is where I want to be and I don't mind spending hours outside offices again."

Amit also recenlty shifted to Lokhandwala. Is that a hint of suucess? He says, "I was staying at Yari Road earlier because it was the cheapest place to live in. But I have to move on and there is a long way to go."

Aanchal Bansal